Force aim to bust open Highlanders

AAP
Saturday, March 15, 2014

Update: 8:36AM AFTER obliterating Melbourne's defensive structures last week, the Western Force will be aiming to inflict more tackle-breaking damage in tonight's Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The Force scored four tries inside the opening 27 minutes in the 32-7 win over the Rebels, with the dominant performance giving the Perth-based franchise a crucial confidence boost.

The Highlanders have been solid in their opening two games, posting a 29-21 win over the Blues before being pipped by the mighty Chiefs 21-19 a fortnight ago.

A week off has left them fresh and raring to go heading into their home clash with the Force.

But their league-high average of 22.5 missed tackles per game is a worry, with halfback Aaron Smith committing seven of those across two games.

Force coach Michael Foley has identified several vulnerable areas in the Highlanders' defence, but says his team need to be good enough to expose them.

"There are a couple of players who have missed tackles for them. The job for us is to get good enough quality ball," Foley said on Friday.